‘I wish they knew the suffering is now over’
RESCUERS have been left heartbroken after taking in 200 dogs and puppies rescued from a suspected illegal puppy farm.
West Wales Poundies Dog Rescue in Llandeilo has given a temporary home to 22 dogs saved from the puppy farm in Carmarthenshire.
An operation was carried out in Carmarthenshire on September 17 following a seven-month investigation. Among the dogs rescued there were labradors, cocker spaniels, cockapoos, bichon frises and shih tzus.
The other dogs have been taken in by RSPCA, Dogs Trust, and Home Rescue.
West Wales Poundies Dog Rescue is caring for two mum dogs and their puppies, who are between one week and six weeks old.
When they arrived, their fur was so matted it was “impossible” to tell their breed. But now, they are thought to be cavaliers, cocker spaniels, and cavichon-bichon frise crosses.
Lianne Evans, founder and manager of West Wales Poundies Dog Rescue, said: “I’m used to things like this but they never fail to shock me.
“They’re doing fine; they’ve got quite a few medical issues, badly infected ears, skin and eyes and they’re all overweight, oddly enough.
“Other than that, they’re totally traumatised. We can’t get near them. We’ve just left them together for now for comfort.”
Once the dogs have adjusted, West Wales Poundies Dog Rescue will begin their rehabilitation by placing them in foster homes with resident dogs to bring out their confidence.
They will mostly be split up to avoid them from feeding off each other’s’ anxiety.
Following this, they will be neutered and receive ongoing medical care while West Wales Poundies Dog Rescue search for their new homes.
Lianne said: “The adults I’d like to say will be a few months, depending on how quick they settle, the traumatised ones will be a bit longer.
“The puppies are nearly old enough to be ready to go. They’ve come out of their shell, they’re a lot more confident because we’re handling them daily.”
Like Hope Rescue, West Wales Poundies lost a puppy this week, likely to be down to the poor conditions it spent its first few days.
Liane said: “It’s a shame people don’t see what these dogs go through when they buy them.
“I think people think crossbreeds are healthier but a lot of the time they’re not. Cavaliers have health issues, bichons have health issues, so you’re just doubling the health issues.”
Taking in 22 dogs has put a huge strain on the small rescue centre, whose normal capacity is around 35.
“You do what you have to do. I wish I could explain to them that the suffering is now over. On to a better life now,” said Lianne.
Visit www.westwalespoundies. org.uk/support to donate to the rescue centre and support dogs in need.